Students who got into MIT:

Apr 03 2013PhysicsBe the best at what you enjoy, which means quality over quantity. It can be math, music, physics, engineering, robotics etc... It is better too be darn good at 1 thing than average at 10.

Since you are interested at MIT, I won't even comment on the grades/score. If you are to flourish here, those things should come effortlessly.SAT: 1540 Male

Oct 03 2011Computer Science1. Get good test scores. (Mine: 35 ACT, 1530 SAT)
2. Ace the interview (This is where they cut a LOT of students)
3. Make sure you have HS extra curriculars (I had Swimming, Band, Government Service, etc). They have lots of bright kids applying, so they don't need one-track mind math nerds; they have plenty. They want to know why YOU are special.
4. Take college classes while in HS at a local college - show you can handle it.
5. ??? (Get lucky - over 60% of rejected applicants are fully qualified)
6. Profit.ACT: 35 SAT: 1530 Male

Apr 27 2011ChemistryDo your best in high school, and on your application be honest. If you are genuinely interested in science, express that. If you genuinely want to be there, express that.SAT: 1600 Female

Aug 14 2010Political ScienceLearning about computers did a lot for me mentally. It won't really make you stand out in admissions, but it will make your life a lot easier once you're here and will give you more of a common base for talking to others.ACT: 33 SAT: 1520 Female